The Orisha Ogun appears in several traditional African belief systems throughout the diaspora. However, he is most notable as the elemental deity of iron in the Ifa tradition. Ogun was believed to be a warrior and powerful spirit of metalwork (blacksmith) during his time on earth. Likewise, he is well known for rum making in … Continue reading Ogun
Oshun, sometimes spelled Osun, is another Orisha of the Ifa tradition practiced in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and other parts of the world. Popularly known as the river goddess Oshun’s link to water, love, purity, fruitfulness, and fertility are vital to her essence. As one of the most potent Orishas, Oshun also embodies human traits like jealousy, … Continue reading Oshun
Oshunmare, also spelled Oshumare or Osumare, is another Orisha in the Ifa religion. Oshunmare signifies the "rainbow" or the coming together of heaven and earth. The origins of the worship of this deity can be traced back to the Yewa realm of African heritage. Several religions describe Oshunmare as having a feminine and masculine essence. … Continue reading Oshunmare
Obatala, known as Orisa Nla, is an orisha in the traditional African religion of Ifa. According to Yoruba mythology, he is the Sky Father and the maker of human bodies brought to life by Olodumare's calm breath. This deity is the most ancient of all orishas in this African religion. Olodumare gave Obatala permission to … Continue reading Obatala
Orishas are deities or spirits in African traditional religions. They live within and around us. Like humans, they have distinct personalities with strengths and weaknesses of their own. Your head orisha is one of the most important personal deities according to the Ifa spiritual system and other diasporic traditions. Many other deities work with you, … Continue reading Who is Your Head Orisha?
Eshu, also known as Esu or Elegba, is a deity of the people of Yoruba, Nigeria in West Africa. He is one of the prominent orishas of the Ifa traditional religion. Eshu understands all the languages and serves as a messenger between humans and the gods. He is most notable for his pranks, cruelty, unpredictability, … Continue reading Eshu
Orunmila also known as Orunla or Orula in Yorubaland is a deity or Orisha. He carries the knowledge of wisdom and divination. Regarded as the Grand Priest of the Ifa tradition, this Orisha serves as the source of understanding and purity in the human experience. According to Yoruba cosmology, Orisha Orunmila is the first deity … Continue reading Orunmila
The Hand of Ifa or Isefa in the Yoruba language is a set of consecrated ikin dedicated to Orunmila. This is the first sacred Orisha pot or icon that devotees receive during an Isefa ceremony. Typically devotees receive 21 ikins for Orunmila and one icon for Eshu. Eshu, the messenger Orisha, always gets the first … Continue reading Hand of Ifa (Isefa)
